The
inspections of chimneys is an important service offered by Magic Sweep. Chimney
inspections come in many forms and you should be aware that not all inspections
are alike. At Magic Sweep, we follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
recommended inspection procedures.
NFPA divides the inspection procedure into
three categories, or levels. The circumstances which give rise to the
inspection determine what level of inspection is to be conducted. A Level I
inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level II and Level III
inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive. A Level I
inspection is completed during each chimney cleaning, or sweeping.
Level I Inspection
A Level I inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney
system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not
changing. This could include:
A Level I
inspection is limited to readily accessible portions of the venting system, and
accessible portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection.
The inspector will check the readily accessible portions of the chimney, its
enclosing structure, and the flue. A Level I inspection includes verification
that the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.
Level II Inspection
A Level II inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection and
is the recommended inspection when conditions of use for the appliance or venting
system are changing, or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more
detailed inspection. Several instances where a Level II inspection is
specifically recommended include:
 | Inspection of accessible areas of
attics, basements, and crawlspaces |
| Accessible areas of the chimney
exterior and interior |
| Accessible portions of the appliance
and chimney connection |
| Video scanning, or other thorough
inspection, of the flue interior |
| Evaluation of the flue lining to
determine that its material and sizing is appropriate for the appliances
being served |
| Proper clearance to combustibles in
the accessible areas listed above |
| Proper construction and condition of
the chimney system in the accessible areas listed above |
While the Level II inspection is a rather thorough inspection and
requires access to many areas of the building, it does not require removal of
permanent parts of the building, such as siding, chase covers or wall coverings.
Level III Inspection
A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and
includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However,
examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of
containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise.
A Level III
inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection, and
inspection of concealed areas to investigate known or suspected problems.
In as much as certain portions of a Level III inspection require destructive
action to the building, the inspector will discuss these areas with the building
owner prior to the inspection.
Frequency of Inspection
NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually.
In addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting
systems should be inspected, such as:
After any unusual, or sudden
occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake
Prior to purchasing a home with an
existing chimney
Whenever changes are made to a
chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances
Prior to major system repairs
Video Scanning
A video scan is where we use a camera system which is lowered into the chimney
(or pushed up from the bottom). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney from
a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from the top or bottom. The
camera image is viewed on a TV monitor by the inspector. Video inspections
may be recommended if the customer or sweep suspect certain problems. Video
inspections are often recommended after a chimney fire or some other form of
damage to a chimney, and are a routine part of a Level II or Level III
inspection.
Interior
of chimney flue (photo taken with video scanner)
Summary
You should be aware that even the most thorough inspection will not reveal all
problems. Some areas of a chimney simply are not assessable due to construction
of the house. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns with your sweep. The
recommended inspection technique will often be based on your comments and
concerns. This works similar to a visit to your doctor. Your doctor probably
doesn't do an EKG and take a full set of X-rays during every visit. However, if
you tell the doctor you have chest pains he will perform the tests related to
that problem.
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